Demolishing a house

When you're demolishing a house, it's important that your water meter is secured or disconnected. If you're planning to rebuild on the block quite quickly, please contact us, as it may be in your best interest to leave the meter connected. Please note when you disconnect your water meter, you no longer have access to your water service.

Connecting a new water meter can be costly, so please ensure that you consider your circumstance carefully.

Keeping your meter connected

If you intend to keep the water meter, engage a licensed plumber to arrange for a standpipe to be installed with an internal flow regulator. If you're using a demolition company, they may arrange for the meter to be disconnected or a standpipe installed for you, so always check with them first.

You may wish to install a meter clamp or locking device to secure your meter to eliminate the risk of your meter being stolen or your water being used or wasted — you can purchase one from a hardware store.

Disconnecting your meter

If you're demolishing a house and not rebuilding on the block for some time, we recommend disconnecting the meter to reduce the risk of the meter being stolen, wasted water or contamination of the water supply.

Under the law, it is the property owner's responsibility to ensure that each fitting, fixture and pipe on their property is maintained to avoid wasting water, causing nuisance or creating a health hazard. Property owners are responsible for all water that passes through and is recorded on the water meter. Water use recorded on the meter will be charged to you. You'll also be responsible for any costs should the meter or service need to be repaired or replaced.

How much will it cost?

The cost to disconnect a water meter is $1,265.60.

Please note, if a new water meter is to be installed at a later date, the full cost of the service will apply - $1,782.13 for a 20mm service plus a service activation fee of $210.05 Visit BuilderNet to disconnect or connect your meter.